Hi All, We are sitting in a Piazza in Florence near the Duoma and the markets eating fish and drinking Chianti. I need to say that every country has its own unique habits. There is one in Italy that is somewhat odd - people can only sit inside when they are eating but dogs can sit anywhere in any restaurant! They put a little bowl of water under the table and they just sit there. Harry would be in heaven dining out with us. Not sure if it would go done well in Cairns. Narell has just had gluton free pasta so she is smiling.

Yesterday we went to Bologna which was underwhelming but I think you do become somewhat blaise about churches and cathedrals as every little town has an amazing cathedral. Alan is even contemplating turning catholic! Tomorrow Narell and I are doing a cooking class and the boys are heading to Reggio émilio to a casino. Silivia, who owns Torre, is taking the class and thankfully she speaks very good English

Montombraro, just near our Tower, has put on a Lavender festival for us. Narell tells me that she organised it for my birthday. Not sure but she did organise to have a sparkler at breakfast on my birthday.

Ben, an interesting view about economics is that prices in Europe have certainly been affected by the state of the euro. A coffee, sort of standard currency here, is around 1-2 euros (less than $3) everywhere. Narell's physio appointment for 45 mins cost 21 euro. I think everything is cheaper here. Petrol might be the exception. Kate, you would love the leather markets here in Florence, althought you can't bargain as hard now. Shame we come from Cairns as a leather jacket just doesn't have the same application for the future. In many ways the towns are still very much caught in the 60s and 70s, no internet, traditional gatherings and practices.

It is great that everyone is blogging, especially you Mum. Lea, I know that the Italy experience is close to your heart and probably not that dissimiliar to your time here. Marie, shame about the Gold Lotto but hopefully the Tuesday draw was kind to us. Love to all and thanks for keeping an eye on Ben and Harry. loveD-M (arrivederci)xxxxx

Comments

Trish Mulligan
on Jul 20, 2011 at 12:40AM

Thanks for the exciting updates - I am exhausted reading it!!! Who got the short straw and had to hike up the extra flight of stairs in the 'Tower'. Cannot wait to see the photos of the trip. Not too much mention of your h2o ratio with all that alcohol!!! The food sounds devine - master chef eat your heart out.Keep blogging - travel safe - love to you all. Trish & Co

Hi Mum, very difficult to read about your adventures in Florence from uni and work! It is freezing here this week, I have longs sleeves and a big fluffy coat and boots and I'm still cold! Didn't realised my DJs orientation was actually today, thought it was tomorrow! Have rescheduled for next Wednesday, with my first Sheridan shift next Friday. Can't wait to hear about your cooking class. Love Kate

Ali & Nick Trompf
on Jul 20, 2011 at 05:16AM

Now I'm extremely envious you're in Italy. If I could, I'd jump on a plane tomorrow!! Coolish in Cairns today and quite overcast. The show began today with Friday a holiday. Catching up with the Betros' Friday night to enjoy chicken & bubbles to celebrate RR trading for a week. I'm sure it won't compare to an italian meal but its certainly been a LONG time coming. Enjoy!!! Ali & Nick xoxo

Trish Mulligan
on Jul 21, 2011 at 12:35AM

I have to tell you that I was speaking with lynsey today and admitted to her that I was so envious of your blog that I had to go to Dan Murphys on the way home last night and bought a bottle of Italian wine (white sorry) and a bottle of French Champagne! I am off to Tinaroo for the long weekend and will be having a toast to the travellers!! Cheers Trish x x